Fantasy Football Today Express

Episode: 2026 Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates | Way Too Early Predictions
Date: February 24, 2026
Hosts: Jamie Eisenberg & Dave Richard

Episode Overview

In this “way too early” episode of Fantasy Football Today Express, analysts Jamie Eisenberg and Dave Richard discuss their top breakout candidates for the 2026 fantasy football season. Dave presents a list of ten under-the-radar players who could make a big jump, steering clear (for now) of the obvious sophomores and rookie stars everyone will be targeting. The focus is on players positioned for increased opportunity or ready to leverage their talent for a breakout campaign—ranging from established veterans with changing roles to young talents waiting for their spotlight.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The “Obvious” Breakout Names (02:22)

• Dave kicks off by mentioning that while there are 19 names on his broad breakout radar, the first 9 are so obvious—rookies and second-year players like Ashton Gentian Omari, Ted McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Jackson Dart, etc.—that they’re not up for deep debate just yet.

  “They're going to be on everybody's breakout list. Forget those names for now.” – Dave (02:22)

Devonta Smith: The Late Breakout Wide Receiver? (02:50)

• First true spotlight is on Devonta Smith, especially if A.J. Brown leaves the Eagles and the team commits to Smith as the number one wideout.

  • Smith has never topped 15.5 PPR points per game; that could change with more targets.
  • “What if A.J. Brown leaves Philadelphia… and they commit to Devonta Smith as their number one wide receiver? If he clears 15.5 PPR points, that’s the best ever in his career. And I think he could do that if he was promised a ton of targets.” – Dave (02:48)

• Jamie adds:

  • The situation could be even more promising if Dallas Goedert leaves.
  • Smith could "skyrocket up draft boards if Brown and Goedert are not there.” – Jamie (03:40)

Cardinals Wide Receiver Dilemma: Michael Wilson or Marvin Harrison Jr.? (04:08)

• Dave surprises with Michael Wilson over Marvin Harrison Jr. as his Arizona breakout pick.

  • New coaching staff, no loyalty to any wideout, and Wilson’s success when Harrison was off the field.
  • Opportunity hinges on several camp and offensive factors.
  • “I thought Michael Wilson was sensational when given the opportunity. And if he continues to get opportunities, then of course he could have his best year ever.” – Dave (05:18)

• Jamie:

  • Sides with Harrison due to higher targets and being viewed as a cornerstone, but acknowledges Wilson’s flashes.
  • “I like the setup more for Marvin Harrison compared to Michael Wilson, but we’ll see how things shake out...” – Jamie (05:18)

Bears’ Young Wideouts: Luther Burden vs. Rome Odunze (05:52)

• Dave leans Luther Burden as a breakout, despite earlier confusion about which players made his initial list.

  • Preference for Burden based on draft capital and role flexibility (slot, outside, schemed touches).
  • “This coaching staff did draft Luther Burden. They did not draft Romo Odunze… Burden, in his second year, should be able to develop and be really, really good.” – Dave (06:54)

• Jamie echoes Burden’s upside, especially if DJ Moore departs:

  • Burden was a regime pick, flashed “much more upside.”
  • “What we saw in terms of flashes and what he can do, I think there was much more upside in the favor of Luther Burden.” – Jamie (07:19)

Rapid Fire: Seven More Potential Breakouts (08:30)

Three Wide Receivers:

• Alec Pierce, Ricky Pearsall, Parker Washington

• Jamie picks Ricky Pearsall for deeper analysis:

  • Four games with 7+ targets; strong PPR scores in each.
  • Higher opportunity if 49ers move on from George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, or Jauan Jennings.
  • “If they get targets, they can get numbers… opportunity is necessary, staying on the field is necessary for Ricky Pearsall.” – Dave (08:54)

Deep Notes:

• Parker Washington: Flashed late last season, watch his role if Jaguars WR corps shifts.
• Ricky Pearsall: Free agency and team context could boost opportunity.
  • “We can talk a lot more about his breakout potential when he signs a new deal after being a free agent or stays in Indianapolis [and] Michael Pittman is released.” – Jamie (09:32)

Four More Names & a Stat (09:56)

• Trey Benson (RB), Basil Tootin (RB), Arande Gadsden (TE), Isaiah Likely (TE)

• Isaiah Likely:

  • “Has nine career games with at least six targets… 12.5 PPR points in eight of the nine. Get this guy to a team where he can be part of the offense… that’s one of the easier breakouts to forecast.” – Dave (09:56)

• Jamie speculates on Likely’s landing spots:

  • Following John Harbaugh to Giants or to Atlanta “because of Kevin Stefanski and what he’s done for tight ends there if they decide to move on from Kyle Pitts.” (10:30)

RB Outlook: Benson vs. Tootin in 2026 (11:13)

• Jamie’s scenario: If Benson is the Cardinals’ starter & Tootin takes over for the Jaguars, who’s the better pick?

• Dave picks Basil Tootin:

  • “I really love the talent. I love the offense in Jacksonville... I think Tootin can be good catching passes out of the backfield as well… a little bit worried about Benson’s health.” – Dave (11:13)

• Jamie concurs on Tootin’s higher ceiling but notes both may face competition.

  • “Yes, you got to worry a little bit about Benson’s health… maybe he’ll get that chance in 2026.” – Jamie (11:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Devonta Smith’s “re-breakout” potential:
  “It’s kind of surprising to go with someone who’s not in their second year or third year or fourth year in Devonta Smith.” – Dave (02:50)

• Breakout success tied to opportunity:
  “If they get targets, they can get numbers… opportunity is necessary, staying on the field is necessary…” – Dave, on Ricky Pearsall (08:54)

• Isaiah Likely stat bomb:
  “Has nine career games with at least six targets… 12.5 PPR points in eight of the nine…” – Dave (09:56)

Important Timestamps

• Obvious Breakout Candidates List Mentioned – 02:22
• Devonta Smith Deep Dive – 02:48 – 03:40
• Arizona WR Debate (Wilson vs. Harrison) – 04:08 – 05:18
• Bears WR Debate (Burden vs. Odunze) – 05:52 – 07:19
• Rapid Fire Seven Breakouts, Wide Receivers – 08:30 – 09:32
• Running Backs and Tight Ends Picks – 09:56 – 11:32
• RB Showdown: Benson vs. Tootin – 11:13 – 11:32

Summary Tone & Takeaways

The episode is quick, factual, and delivered in a conversational, debate-style format. Dave and Jamie predict potential fantasy breakouts not just by skill but by looking ahead at team changes, coaching staff, offseason moves, and opportunity windows. Their dialogue surfaces actionable names for way-too-early draft stashes, emphasizes the role of opportunity, and offers listeners context for brushing up on emerging players before the mainstream hype arrives.

Perfect for:

• Fantasy managers in keeper/dynasty leagues
• Listeners planning draft board strategies early
• Anyone fostering “who’s next?” discussions in their leagues